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What is FICA tax?

TaxWarren Team

Quick answer

FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) is the payroll tax funding Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%). Employees pay 7.65% of wages; employers match. Self-employed pay both halves (15.3%) as self-employment tax.

FICA tax breakdown: Social Security and Medicare components.
FICA tax breakdown: Social Security and Medicare components.

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